According to a new UN study, the U.S. created the most electronic waste of any member nation in 2012. (A shocking 30 tons of waste per person!) In most cases, appliances and electronics shouldn't be treated like any other waste we'd toss in the trash or leave on the curb. Follow these instructions for the best (and most earth-conscious) ways to dispose of your old gadgets. (If it's still working and you're just looking to upgrade, considering putting your old stuff on Freecycle or listing it for free on Craig's List. We guarantee it'll be out the door before you know it!)

Cleaning Products:
The best way to dispose of cleaning products is to use them! If that's out of the question, it's important to read the labels to figure out the right way to toss them. Hint: In most cases, water-soluble products can be flushed down the drain with running water, and solid cleaning products like bar soaps and scouring pads can be tossed in the trash.

Appliances:

Washers & Dryers:
You have a few options when it comes to these staple appliances. If they're still in good working order, give them a second life: Donate them to a shelter or home that would likely benefit. If you're buying new laundry appliances, ask the manufacturer whether they're certified to recycle your old ones. If all else fails, call your local recycling office to see whether you can leave them on the curb, or find out where the nearest recycling facility is.

Refrigerator/Freezer:
Leave the disposal of these hefty appliances to the professionals. Contact your local department of public works to schedule the removal. The costs for this service will vary. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, removal can be free or anywhere from $10 to $50.

Microwaves:
Got a metal microwave? Some municipalities let you recycle these appliances as scrap metal. (Electronics recyclers will do the same for a small fee.) Plastic microwave ovens go right into the trash.

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Electronics:

Mobile Devices:
Before getting rid of your old cell phone, be sure to delete all of your personal information and remove any batteries (these will need to be recycled separately). The EPA's website lists retailers that offer in-store or mail-in recycling options to properly dispose of old gadgets. Plenty of stores offer ways to donate, say, by sending old phones to troops overseas; a little research should help you uncover a cause you care about supporting instead of just sending your phone back to the manufacturer.

TVs:
Rule No. 1: Never toss your old TV or monitor in the trash! CRTs, LCD,s and plasma sets contain toxic materials like lead and are considered hazardous waste. We suggest contacting your local sanitation department for guidance, or see whether your local electronics store has a drop-off policy (most do).

Blu-ray Players:
It's easy to recycle your old Blu-ray player. To find a recycler in your area, check the map and sort by state at e-Stewards' website. e-Stewards is a program certified in safely handling discarded electronics.

Electrics:

Halogen light bulbs:
Similar to its mercury-filled counterparts (like fluorescents, neon lights, and ultraviolet bulbs), these can go right in the trash. Just make sure you wrap the bulb in its original packaging or newspaper. Halogen bulbs should not be recycled, so don't try to do the greener thing in this case.

Other:

Lithium Batteries:
Lithium batteries are most commonly found in your cell phone, digital cameras, and laptops. To properly dispose of them, put clear packing, masking, or electrical tape on the batteries' ends. More commonly used batteries — A, AAA, C, D — don't require any taping (unless identified as lithium) — they can go right into the trash.